Senate leader Winder in Boise gives the HB 666 House Bill little chance of moving forward. All our local Congressional representatives fell in lockstep behind the proposed revisions that put Free Speech, parental oversight and personal freedom of our educators at risk.

Targeting our libraries, librarians, teachers and educators with a proposed move to forward their “Idaho Law that prohibits the distribution of harmful materials to children. Harmful materials include obscene depictions in movies, books and other media. This bill amends Idaho Code 18-1517 to remove exemptions of the prohibition afforded to schools, public libraries, universities, and museums.”

Parents take their children to the library and should engage in what is being selected. That is THEIR job, not the state of Idaho.

Also, what may seem obscene to some may just be Harry Potter with a wand to others. I disliked reading Lemony Snicket to my kids because it was dark — they loved it because it made them laugh in its absurdity. I recognized their freedom to choose over-sanitized Dick and Janes.

Books are slipping behind iPads, iPods, Instagram for information. Do not muzzle by your assault on free speech and thought the actual reading of books that offer unique viewpoints.

Our overzealous legislators should work on their control of the rampant use of “F--- Biden, “Let’s Go Brandon” and “Kamala sucks” on bumper stickers and T-shirts. Our children are assaulted daily by these and they chase after books? Where are the real adults here?

LYNN FLEMING

Coeur d’Alene